After firing David Griffin, the New Orleans Pelicans hired Joe Dumars, sparking league-wide speculation about a potential blockbuster trade involving Zion Williamson.

Following New Orleans' 21-61 finish during its 2024-25 campaign, executive vice president David Griffin was fired and replaced by Joe Dumars. Dumars confirmed that he didn't have a mandate to move on from Williamson after he was hired.

After six seasons, the Pelicans fired Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin and hired Joe Dumars, the NBA’s Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations. The move signals a major shift in the franchise’s leadership,